Combined starter control and belt tightener for internal-combustion engines



y 22, 1952 R. J. JACKSON 2,603,974

COMBINED STARTER CONTROL AND BELT TIGHTENER FOR iNTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES Filed April 11, 1950 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 59 o w W D o a v n D Q I, INVENTOR v IZObQI'tJJZCILJOIZ,

ATTORNEYJ.

July'22, 1952 R. J. JACKSON 2,603,974

COMBINED STARTER CONTROL AND BELT TIGHTENER FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES 2- SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed April 11, 1950 i? N mu :F E. I l 1 I 8 INVENTOR' Robert JJaclwolv,

ATTORNEY.

Patented July 22, 1952 1 'c'oMmNEn STARTER CONTROL AND BELT TIGHTENER FOR INTERNAL-COMBUS- .TION ENGINES Robert J. Jackson, Houston, Tex.; Mae G. Jack'- son and South Texas National Bank of Houston executors of said Robert J. Jackson, deceased Application April 11, 1950, Serial No. 155,286

' 8 Claims. (01. 74-6) This invention relates to a mechanism for starting internal combustion engines and has particular application to engines which require many starts within a short period of time. 'Such engines operate at their greatest efficiency when the cylinders start to fire within the first lde.-

grees of turning of the engine crankshaft by the engine starter, as otherwise the efficiency of the motor would be low, due to the large amount of gasolene fed to the engine during the many starts that have to be made. In other words, only a drop or two of gasolene would be lost should the engine crankshaft make a thirty-sixth of a revolution before firing would begin. A considerable consumption of gasolene or other engine fuel would take place during'the continued starting and stopping and again restarting of the engine, during each day of use, where the crankshaft turned ninety degrees before firing would begin.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide an engine starter assembly which starts the engine substantially. simultaneously with the manual operation of the starter actuator.

An additional object is to provide a device for tightening the motor drive means and for. si-

ent No. 2,463,972, granted March .8, 1949. It should be stated, however, that the device of the present invention has other uses and is adapted for use in starting and stopping the engine of'any type of motor scooter or motor cycle, and may -also be used with various types of engines for automobiles, boats,' and with movable and sta- .tionary internal combustion engines, such as enmultaneously completing the circuitto the motor.

A further object is to provide the combination of a manually operated belt tensioning device and switch means connectedto each other, whereby the starting of the engine is effected by-a simple .movement of a handle or. other operating member.

Other objects will be found hereinafter throughout the specification.

In the drawings? Figure 1 is a. side elevation of a vehicle provided with the device of this invention, the motor cover being partly broken awayto disclose parts of the device.

Figure 2 is a schematic layout of the parts as connected to the engine and the electric motor and the generator thereof of said engine, and showing the wiring circuit.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the partsshown in Figure 2, but omitting the engine and the wiring circuit thereof. s

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail view of the switch and supporting parts therefor, and, p

Figure 5 is a. side elevation of the structure shown in Figure 4.

One of the principal 'purposesof the present construction is to provide a self starter assembly and belt tightener for use with the vehicle for transporting golf players, as disclosed in my Patgines for driving pumps and other equipment.

The vehicle illustrated and claimed in my patent aforesaid is used for-transporting as many as four players with their golf bags and a caddie around a golf course. The total number of plays or shots by a foursome during one round of golf may vary from less than three hundred to over five hundred. Over one-half of these shots are tee and fairway"shots to the green, and the vehicle must be started and stopped for a majority of these shots until each green is reached. The motor is then stopped until putting is completed. Consequently, the motor of'the vehicle must be started and stopped several hundred times for each round of golf. Frequently, 36 or 54 holes may be played in a single day by a foursome, entailing many hundreds of starts and stops during such play. The present invention permits no loss of time during such engine stops and starts, and permits a substantial saving of gasolene due to the substantially instantaneous starting and stopping of the engine with the device hereinafter described and claimed.

In Figure 1 of the drawings, A indicates a vehicle of the type shown in my patent that is provided with front and rear seats, supporting wheels and an engine, (not indicated in this figure) mounted for driving the rear wheel, a cover for the engine supporting the rear seat, receptacles for the golf bags behind the front seat, and suitable steering mechanism. A is a vehicle having a supporting framework B.

As seen in Figure 2, the engine is indicated generally at C, and is provided with a drive shaft which supports in driving relation the pulleys l and 2 (Figures 2 and 3) The pulley I is connected in driving relation to a pulley 3 by the belt 45, and pulley 2 is drivingly connected to pulley 4 by belt 5.

Pulley 4 is mounted on the shaft of the generator 1, and pulley 3 is mounted on the shaft of the motor 8. Each of the pulleys I, Z, 3 and 4 is fast upon its shaft.

The belt tightener mechanism consists of a freely rotatable pulley ll mounted on a shaft H that may be fixed (not shown) to a stationary part of the engine. This shaft supports a bell crank having arms [2 and i0. Arm I2 supports a pivot pin '16 on which is freely rotatable a pulley l3. The other arm of the bell crank has an aperture 9 through which is attached wire IT whose opposite end is attached to the left end, as viewed in Figure-3 of a contractable spring H3. The right end "of this spring-has attached. to it the wire 20.

The bell crank arm I2 is biased to rotate in'a clockwise direction on pivot H by spring mounted on a stationary 'partilfi of the engine. The part I4 is a guide for belt45 which latter is also provided with a belt guard 61 as seen in Figure 3. A stop 68 limitsclockwiseinovement of the bell crank arm [l arnt I2 and its pulley I3.

An arm 22 is mounted on avertical: pivot 23 on framework B. The free end of the arm has a flange 89 provided with an aperture with which is threaded wire 32 forming part of Bowden wire 33 and having an end 3 l secured'byan adjustable screw stop member 3 9 Mounted in flange iifl 'on the right side thereof as viewd from Figure -iw an adjustable stud 'meniber 25*whichis adaptedtoengage a-spring pressed button' switch 28-:mounted on the end' of c'r'oss member-'88 of frame'B. The button of the switch 28 is re'ciprocably mounted in the casing 29. A spring (not-shown but of conventional type) urges the" buttonto the'le'ft seen in the figures. W-henthe button is pushed to the right an electrical circuit through switch-28 is completed as iollows: "the 'two'leads 30 as 'seen in "Figure 2'are connected was to complete the cir- -cuit when button28 is:pushed'to the right. One 'of -these-flea'ds connects to ground and the other is connected; tosoleiioidti There are connec- -tions from this sole'noid tomotor'fl, cutout 3 6 and battery :34 l *which latter isgrounded at 46. "From cutout '3'6 -there"are "wired connections to signal light 31, 'Lgrbund 38 and generator I.

As-"seen in Figures 2, 3, 4 and-"5, the'pivote'd arm 22- 'is"provided-with an a'djustable stop '24 "which engages *a 'vertitar flange 84 *as seen in "Figure 5 of 1 the "cross member-88 when arm'22 is pulled counter-'clockwise as viewed in'Figure' 4, as

hereinafterde'scribed.

-Movement of arm'22"in either direction is controlled by Bowden' wir-e 33, that is provided with an operating han'dle: 34 mountd adjacent the steering mechanism of -the vehicle-as sen in Figurel. 1

As s'ho'wnzin Figure 3; this swingin pivoted "arm-"2 2 al so has attaehed to itthewire' 2 0 that is connected through-spring f8 and'wire l1 to ar'm fa' whicniatter forms part of: thebell cra nk lever that'constitut'es the belt tightener.

I 'rhe platen o is attached to' the fixed' tranverse frame nieinber 88 and this' serves as a guide 1 f or arm 22. The recess or 'slotiil 'of"this arm, as shown in Fig-u're 3, i prevents up or' ddwn movement of the end of arm 22" as 1 it moves about pivot- 23.

7 Operation Priortostarting tlie en'gine, the 'pai'ts-are in the full line'position as's'hown in' Figure '3. In order to startthe engina-the handle-34 isgrasped and-pulled upwardly. -This causes the handle-3 4 and the arms l-0 and'l2of the bell 'crank a'nd" pulley l3 to assume the dotted line postions'shown r in the figure. *"M'ovement of the pulley I3 to its upper position imme'diately tensions belt 65. During this time, the arm 22 has moved to the "right to the; position where stud"25' has depressed.

and automatically assumes thefull line position this figure.

shown in 'Fig'ure 3. Springs 1 5Fa'nd l 8 then restore the parts to the full line position shown in In this position and during the running of the engine, although pulley l continues ."-torotate,-belt 'isnot driven to drive electric 'motorpulley'fdue to the amount of slack in the belt. 'Pull'e'y Zonthe engine shaft drives generator "I through spulley 4 to recharge the battery 34 I. V

A"convefiti(mal -ignition switch is turned off to stop the engine, and is again turned on when the handle 34 ispulled up to start motor 8 and operate the belt tightener. I

Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of =the= invention. For instance; other types of switch-means'may be em- Y ployed; afoot pedalcould be used instead ofthe "handle-34; the-shape and style of the handle could be changed; --a--cable could be 'used instead of the =Bowden*wire shown and described; "or

'- chai-nscould be employed in.- pla-ce*of the belts shown. 'Belts are: preferred,- however.

- said driving: p'ulley, a'sourceof ener'gy and circuit means connecting said source and starterrnotor when said." switch is closedfa pivoted lever having an'a'c'tuator for closing 's'aid'switch; 'fiexible'mea'ns connectingsaid other' bellcrank'arm to s'aid'lever,

and an operating means'for m'oving said lever to V l motdfvvl'insa'id switch s eased: a p'ivoted lever "close 'said"switch'whereby saidm'otor is" started 'andsaid'beltis-tighteried; 5 Q A' combine'd starter afid -belt 'ti'gh'terier cen- 'trol"fer intrnal combustion engines in -c'oir'ibi-nation, a belt, a belt tightener therefor comprising pivotfi a belt' 'tightener pulleyonsaid pivot engaged with said belt, a drivingand-a driven ijully at the opposite ends of said belt'f 'saidbelttighte'nei comprisin a bell'ra'jnk hav'iri'g arms' 'sjwingend of said armsg engageabie vvi h said'belt a normally open switch, a starter mot'or-for operating s'aid drive'pulley, "a 'sofir ce 0f energyand ar'is connecting-s id source ands-tartar having an actuator for closi-ng' sa id switehfnexisaid:- le'ver, afia an operating meaa rer' moving said lever to close said switch whereby semester '-is staltd lid sfiifi-liiblt-is tightened. H

3. A combined startr and b'lt tighte i 06ntrol for internal e6inb'ustion engines in combination, a belt, a belt tightener therefor conrprisirig'a hori'zdnlial pivot; a 7 afl d 'a ciriifen pfilley at thebpposite ends ofsaid belt, said seit -ti'ghtner comprising a i bell crank having" arms swingable on said horizontal: pivot-and 'liaving"'a pulley on the end of one of said arms engageable with said belt, a normally open switch, a starter motor for operating said driving pulley, a source of energy and circuit means connecting said source and starter motor when said switch is closed, a

pivoted lever having an actuator for closing said switch, flexible means connectin said other bell crank arm to said lever, and an operating means for moving said lever to close said switch whereby said motor is started and said belt is tightened, and a vertical pivot for said lever.

4. In a vehicle of the character described wherein the vehicle is provided with a frame, an engine and a self starter including a starter electric motor, a source of electrical potential, a circuit and a flexible drive means for driving said,

engine by said motor: a belt tightener having a pair of pulleys adapted to engage said flexible drive means, said frame having a transverse member and an electrical switch on said transverse member, a pivoted member mounted on said frame adjacent to said transverse member and having a part adapted upon actuation of said pivoted member to operate said switch, and flexible means connecting said pivoted member to said belt tightener.

5. In a vehicle of the character described wherein the vehicle is provided with a frame, an engine and a self starter including a starter electric motor, a source of electrical potential, a circuit and a flexible drive means for driving said engine by said motor: a belt tightener having a pair of pulleys adapted to engage said flexible drive means, said frame having a. transverse member and an electrical switch on said'transverse member, a pivoted member mounted on said frame adjacent to said transverse member 7 and having a part adapted upon actuation of said pivoted member to operate said switch, and flexible means connecting said pivoted member to said belt tightener, said last named means includingacoiled spring.

6. In a vehicle of the character described wherein the vehicle is provided with a frame, an engine and a self starter including a starter electric motor, a source of electrical potential, a circuit and a flexible drive means for driving said engine by said motor: a belt tightener having a pair of pulleys adapted to engage said flexible drive means, said frame having a transverse member and an electrical switch on said transverse member, a pivoted member mounted on said frame adjacent to said transverse member and having a part adapted upon actuation of said pivoted member to operate said switch, and flexible means connecting said pivoted member to said belt tightener, said last named means including a coiled spring, and Bowden wire mech anism for causing, when actuated, said pivoted member to operate said belt tightener to tighten said flexible drive, and to operate said electrical switch whereby to complete said circuit and start said electric motor.

7. A combined starter and belt tightener control for internal combustion engines, in combination, a belt, a driving pulley and a driven pulley engageable by said belt, a belt tightener including a first pivoted member engageable with said belt, a normally open switch, a starter motor for operating said driving pulley, a source of energy and circuit means connecting said source and said starter motor when said switch is closed, a second pivoted member for closing said switch, means connecting said members together, and means for moving said members to operate said belt tightener and to close said switch, and a guide for said second member, said second member having a slot therein through which said guide passes and means provided for guiding said belt;

8, In a vehicle having a frame, an engine, a starter motor and a source of energy: a belt normally unoperatively connecting said engine with said starter motor, a belt tightener comprising a first pivoted member having one end engageable with said belt to tighten the belt and thereby operatively connect said engine and starter motor, said frame having normally open switch means mounted thereon, circuit means adapted to connect said source with said motor when said switch is closed, a second member pivotally mounted on said frame adjacent said switch means and having a part-engageable with said switch means to close said switch when said second member is pivoted, means operatively connecting the other end of said first member to said second member and means for moving said second member to closesaid switch whereby said motor is started and said belt is tightened, and means to limit the pivoting movement of said first member and to adjust the amount of throw of said second member.

ROBERT J. JACKSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 127,380 Snelbaker May28, 1872 804,980 Reiss Nov. 21, 1905 1,879,878 Leyvastre Sept. 27, 1932 1,882,022 Leyvastre Oct. 11, 1932 1,925,755 Hemmingsen Sept. 5, 1938 2,576,582 Elliott Nov.27, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 264,934 Great Britain Jan. 31, 1937 

